Big Ten basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament preview

Semifinals

1. Michigan State vs. 5. Michigan

Oh what a wonderful match up this would be. Two teams that were previewed of being a dark horse and a threat to the number one team will be matched up against the Spartans. The last time these two met was at the beginning of January. The Spartans were sputtering and the Wolverines were rolling. Both teams are rolling now. Michigan State is determined. They remind me of Wisconsin in 2015.

Prediction:

7. Penn State vs. 3. Purdue

Penn State is going to give Purdue fits if these two match up. The Nittany Lions are playing with house money and need a victory so badly to sneak into the NCAA Tournament. Purdue on the other hand wants a No. 1 seed. They seemed like a lock for one about a month ago, but their season went south with a three-game losing streak. They will want nothing more than a rematch with Michigan State.

Prediction: Purdue 76 Penn State 69

Finals

1. Michigan State vs. 3. Purdue

The rematch everyone has been waiting for. They didn’t disappoint when the game was on National TV at the beginning of February. It’s going to be just as good this time around if it happens. Michigan State is more healthy than Purdue, they’re more talented and poised to keep rolling.

Next: Ranking the 32 Conference Tournaments

The Boilermakers are great and they will likely see the second weekend of the NCAA’s, but this is the Spartans year in the Big Ten.

Prediction: Michigan State 68 Purdue 63